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€berj>man 

A   MORAL   PLAY 


NEW    YORK 

©uffielD  anD  Company 

1907 


Copyright,  1903 
By  Fox,  Duffield  and  Company 


Published,  April,  1903 

Reprinted,  September,  1903 

October,  1904 


Published  by 

Duffield  &  Company,  Successors 

March,  1907 


University  Press  •  John  Wilson 
and  Son   -    Cambridge,  U.  S.  A. 


K 

^^M 

FOREWORD 


HE  Morality  or  Moral  Play 
of  "  Everyman,"  here  re- 
printed, was  published  first, 
in  English,  in  London  some 
time  as  early  as  the  year  1500. 
The  first  edition  was  by 
Pynson,  printer  in  ordinary  to  Henry  VIII. 
Another  by  him,  and  two  editions  by  Skot,  or 
Scott,  followed  in  the  same  century.  Since 
then  it  has  been  not  more  than  two  or  three 
times  reprinted,  most  notably  by  Hawkins 
and  by  Hazlitt.  The  copy  of  the  play  in 
Hawkins's  "  Origin  of  the  English  Drama  " 
was  taken  from  a  black-letter  copy  pre- 
served in  the  library  of  "the  church  of 
Lincoln,"  sold  afterwards,  it  is  said,  with 
others,  to  Dibdin,  the  bibliographer,  for 
five  hundred  guineas.  A  German  scholar, 
Goedeke,    traces    the    development    of  the 

[     V     ] 


theme  of  the  morality  in  his  "  Every-Man, 
Homulus  and  Hekastus,"  published  in  Han- 
over in  1865;  and  W^.  Carew  Hazlitt  added 
*'  Everyman "  to  his  edition  of  Dodsley's 
"  Old  Plays,"  published  in  London  in  1874. 
The  text  here  used  is  that  of  Hazlitt's  ver- 
sion, which  was  based  upon  a  collation  of 
the  two  editions  of  Pynson  with  one  of 
Scott.  The  originals  of  the  cuts  here  shown 
are  the  title-page  and  four  figures  of  the 
Scott  edition. 

The  composition  of  "  Everyman "  is  of  a 
considerably  earlier  date  than  that  of  the 
first  editions.  Its  origin  is  now  commonly 
attributed  to  a  Dutch  play,  by  Peter  of 
Diest,  upon  the  same  impressive  theme, 
from  which  the  anonymous  English  scribe 
translated  freely.  The  piece  seems  early  to 
have  had  considerable  vogue  and  popularity. 
It  was  popular  in  Dutch  as  well  as  in  Ger- 
man and  Latin,  and  it  is  known  that  in  Eng- 
land it  was  a  favorite  subject  of  representation 
by  travelling  companies  at  feasts  and  holi- 
days, or  by  noblemen's  troupes  of  players  in 
the  halls  of  castles.  Within  the  last  two  years 
the  Elizabethan  Stage  Society  of  London, 
under  the  direction  of  Mr.  Ben  Greet,  has 
revived  this  beautiful  morality  and  given 
[     vi     ] 


notable  and  touching  performances  of  it, 
viewed  by  many  hundreds  of  persons,  in 
England  and  America. 

"We  may  bring  ourselves  into  relation 
with  the  motive  of  this  play,"  says  the  late 
Mr.  J,  A.  Symonds,  in  his  *'  Shakespere's 
Predecessors  in  the  English  Drama,"  "  by 
studying  the  wood-cuts  in  Queen  Elizabeth's 
Prayer  Book,  or  any  one  of  the  Dances  of 
Death  ascribed  to  Holbein.  The  frontis- 
piece to  '  Everyman  '  recalls  one  of  those 
remorseless  meditations  on  the  grave.  A 
fine  gentleman  of  the  court  of  Henry  VII. 
is  walking,  with  his  hat  upon  his  head  and 
a  chain  around  his  neck,  among  the  flowers 
of  a  meadow.  Death,  the  skeleton,  half- 
clothed  in  a  loose  shroud  and  holding  in 
his  arm  the  cover  of  a  sepulchre,  beckons 
to  this  gallant  from  a  churchyard  full  of 
bones  and  crosses.  Life  is  thus  brought 
into  abrupt  collision  with  the  '  cold  "  Hic- 
jacets "  of  the  dead,'  and  him  who  rules 
there." 

The  theme  of  "  Everyman "  is  that  of 
universal  mortality.  "  The  summoning  of 
Everyman  called  it  is."  Every  man  that 
lives  must  some  day  die.  The  play  begins 
with  a  sort  of  prologue,  spoken  by  a  mes- 
[      vii      ] 


senger,  calling  upon  the  audience  to  give 
ear  to  "  our  Heaven  King."  God  speaks 
and  condemns  the  world  for  its  worldly- 
mindedness,  covetousness,  and  sloth.  He 
summons  Death,  his  "  mighty  messenger," 
to  go  to  Everyman  and  bid  him  make  his 
pilgrimage.  Death  finds  Everyman  and  de- 
livers his  message  to  him  when  he  has  Death 
least  in  mind.  He  offers  Death  gold  to  be 
let  off,  but  gets  only  the  privilege  of  asking 
certain  of  his  friends  if  they  will  go  with  him 
upon  his  journey.  He  accosts,  with  this  re- 
quest, first  Fellowship,  then  Kindred,  Goods, 
and  Good  Deeds.  Fellowship  has  no  mind, 
however,  for  anything  but  dicing  and  drink- 
ing. Kindred  sees  no  reason  why  he  should 
follow  "  Cousin  Everyman "  on  a  way  so 
weary,  and  Goods,  greedy  and  of  the 
world,  will  "  follow  no  man  in  such  voy- 
ages." Only  Good  Deeds  would  follow 
Everyman,  but,  alas !  as  she  says : 

"  Here  I  lie,  cold  in  the  ground  ; 
Thy  sins  have  me  so  sore  bound 
That  I  cannot  stir." 

She  is,  however,  of  service  to  Everyman. 
She  sends  him  to  Knowledge,  who  in  her 
turn  leads  him  to  Confession.     When  Con- 

[     viii     ] 


fession  has  shriven  Everyman  and  given 
him  a  brown  cloak  of  sorrow  and  penance, 
Good  Deeds  is  strong  again  and  "  can  walk 
and  go,"  and  accompanied  by  Strength,  Dis- 
cretion, Beauty,  and  Five  Wits,  Everyman, 
with  Knowledge  and  Good  Deeds,  sets  out 
on  the  inevitable  path  to  the  tomb.  Yet  at 
the  brink  of  the  grave  Strength,  Discretion, 
Beauty,  and  Five  Wits  too  take  fright  and 
abandon  him,  as  Fellowship,  Kindred,  and 
Goods  had  done.  Everyman  grows  feeble- 
hearted  at  the  desertion  of  these  four  false 
friends,  but  turns  to  Good  Deeds  with  a  new 
light: 

"  Gramercy,  Good  Deeds,  now  may  I  true  friends 
see. 
They  have  forsaken  me  every  one  ; 
I  loved  them  better  than  my  good  deeds  alone." 

Good   Deeds  stands   by  him  even  in  the 
grave. 

"  All  earthly  things  is  but  vanity, 
Beauty,  Strength,  and  Discretion  do  man  forsake. 
Foolish  friends  and  kinsmen,  that  fair  spake  ; 
All  fleeth  save  Good  Deeds,  and  that  am  I." 

Supported  and  chastened  by  Good  Deeds 
Everyman,  dying,  commends  his  spirit  into 
[     ix     ] 


the  Lord's  hands,  and  descends  into  the 
grave.  As  the  grave  closes  at  last  over 
him  and  Good  Deeds,  an  angel  sings,  wel- 
coming his  cleansed  soul  "  into  the  heavenly 
sphere." 

S.  M. 


[     X     ] 


Bramatis  ^ersonae 


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HERE  BEGINNETH  A  TREATISE  HOW  THE 
HIGH  FATHER  OF  HEAVEN  SENDETH 
DEATH  TO  SUMMON  EVERY  CREATURE 
TO  COME  AND  GIVE  ACCOUNT  OF  THEIR 
LIVES  IN  THIS  WORLD,  AND  IS  IN  MAN- 
NER OF  A  MORAL  PLAY 

PRAY  you  all  give  your  audience, 
And  hear  this  matter  with  reverence, 
By  figure  a  moral  play; 
The      Summoning      of      Everyman 
I  called  it  is, 

'That  of  our  lives  and  ending  shows, 
How  transitory  we  be  all  day: 

This  matter  is  wonders  precious, 

But  the  intent  of  it  is  more  gracious. 

And  sweet  to  bear  away. 

The  story  saith:  man,  in  the  beginning 

Look  well,  and  take  good  heed  to  the  ending, 

Be  you  never  so  gay: 

Ye  think  sin  in  the  beginning  full  sweet, 

Which  in  the  end  causeth  thy  soul  to  weep, 

When  the  body  lieth  in  clay. 

f  ]  [   I   ] 


Here  shall  you  see  how  Fellowship  and  Jollity, 
Both  Strength,  Pleasure,  and  Beauty 
Will  fade  from  thee  as  flower  in  May; 
For  ye  shall  hear,  how  our  Heaven  King 
Calleth  Everyman  to  a  general  reckoning: 
Give  audience,  and  hear  what  he  doth  say. 

CffOtr  speaketh 
I  perceive  here  in  my  Majesty 
How  that  all  creatures  be  to  me  unkind, 
Living  without  dread  in  worldly  prosperity: 
Of  ghostly  sight  the  people  be  so  blind. 
Drowned  in  sin,  they  knew  me  not  for  their  God; 
In  worldly  riches  is  all  their  mind. 
They  fear  not  my  rightwiseness,  the  sharp  rod; 
My  law  that  I  showed,  when  I  for  them  died. 
They  forget  clean,  and  shedding  of  my  blood  red; 
I  hanged  between  two,  it  cannot  be  denied; 
To  get  them  life  I  suffered  to  be  dead; 
I  healed  their  feet,  with  thorns  hurt  was  my  head: 
I  could  do  no  more  than  I  did  truly. 
And  now  I  see  the  people  do  clean  forsake  me: 
They  use  the  seven  deadly  sins  damnable. 
As  pride,  covetise,  wrath,  and  lechery. 
Now  in  the  world  be  made  commendable: 
And  thus  they  leave  of  angels  the  heavenly  company, 
Every  man  liveth  so  after  his  own  pleasure. 
And  yet  of  their  life  they  be  nothing  sure : 
I  see  the  more  that  I  them  forbear 
The  worse  they  be  from  year  to  year; 
All  that  liveth  appaireth  fast, 
Therefore  I  will  in  all  the  haste 

[   ^-   ] 


Have  a  reckoning  of  every  man's  person; 

For,  and  I  leave  the  people  thus  alone 

In  their  life  and  wicked  tempests, 

Verily  they  will  become  much  worse  than  beasts; 

For  now  one  would  by  envy  another  up  eat; 

Charity  they  do  all  clean  forget. 

I  hoped  well  that  every  man 

In  my  glory  should  make  his  mansion. 

And  thereto  I  had  them  all  elect; 

But  now  I  see,  like  traitors  deject. 

They  thank  me  not  for  the  pleasure  that  I  to  them 

meant, 
Nor  yet  for  their  being  that  I  them  have  lent; 
I  proffered  the  people  great  multitude  of  mercy, 
And  few  there  be  that  asketh  it  heartly; 
They  be  so  cumbered  with  worldly  riches. 
That  needs  on  them  I  must  do  justice. 
On  every  man  living  without  fear. 
Where  art  thou.  Death,  thou  mighty  messenger? 

Bratii 

Almighty  God,  I  am  here  at  your  will, 
Your  commandment  to  fulfil. 

Go  thou  to  Everyman, 

And  show  him  in  my  name 

A  pilgrimage  he  must  on  him  take. 

Which  he  in  no  wise  may  escape ; 

And  that  he  bring  with  him  a  sure  reckoning 

Without  delay  or  any  tarrying. 

[     3     ] 


Lord,  I  will  in  the  world  go  run  over  all, 

And  cruelly  out-search  both  great  and  small; 

Every  man  will  I  beset  that  liveth  beastly, 

Out  of  God's  laws,  and  dreadeth  not  folly: 

He  that  loveth  riches  I  will  strike  with  my  dart, 

His  sight  to  blind,  and  fro  heaven  to  depart. 

Except  that  alms  be  his  good  friend. 

In  hell  for  to  dwell,  world  without  end. 

Lo,  yonder  I  see  Everyman  walking: 

Full  little  he  thinketh  on  my  coming: 

His  mind  is  on  fleshly  lusts  and  his  treasure; 

And  great  pain  it  shall  cause  him  to  endure 

Before  the  Lord,  heaven's  King. 

Everyman,  stand  still;   whither  art  thou  going 

Thus  gaily?    Hast  thou  thy  Maker  forgot? 

Why  askest  thou?    Wouldest  thou  wit? 

Beat)) 

Yea,  sir,  I  will  show  you;  in  great  haste  I  am  sent 

to  thee 
Fro  God  out  of  his  Majesty. 

ISijersman 

What!   sent  to  me? 

BeatI) 

Yea,  certainly: 

Though  you  have  forgot  him  here, 

[     4     ] 


He  thinketh  on  thee  in  the  heavenly  sphere; 
As,  ere  we  depart,  thou  shalt  know. 

What  desireth  God  of  me? 

IBtati) 

That  shall  I  show  thee ; 

A  reckoning  he  will  needs  have 

Without  any  lenger  respite. 

ISbetsman 

To  give  a  reckoning  longer  leisure  I  crave; 
This  blind  matter  troubleth  my  wit. 

3!3fati) 

On  thee  thou  must  take  a  long  journey, 

Therefore  thy  book  of  count  with  thee  thou  bring, 

For  turn  again  thou  cannot  by  no  way : 

And  look  thou  be  sure  of  thy  reckoning ; 

For  before  God  thou  shalt  answer  and  show 

Thy  many  bad  deeds,  and  good  but  a  few, 

How  thou  hast  spent  thy  life,  and  in  what  wise, 

Before  the  chief  lord  of  paradise. 

Have  ado  that  we  were  in  that  way, 

For,  wit  thou  well,  thou  shalt  make  none  attorney. 

2Ebfra>man 

Full  unready  I  am  such  reckoning  to  give: 
I  know  thee  not;   what  messenger  art  thou? 

[     5     ] 


I  am  Death,  that  no  man  dreadeth; 

For  every  man  I  'rrest,  and  no  man  spareth,  • 

For  it  is  God's  commandment 

That  all  to  me  should  be  obedient. 

SEbrrsman 

0  Death,  thou  comest  when  I  had  thee  least  in  mind, 
In  thy  power  it  lieth  me  to  save; 

Yet  of  my  good  will  I  give  thee,  if  thou  will  be  kind; 
Yea,  a  thousand  pounds  shalt  thou  have, 
And  [thou]  defer  this  matter  till  another  day. 

Beat)) 

Everyman,  it  may  not  be  by  no  way; 

1  set  not  by  gold,  silver,  nor  riches, 

Ne  by  pope,  emperor,  king,  duke,  ne  princes; 

For,  and  I  would  receive  gifts  great, 

All  the  world  I  might  get; 

But  my  custom  is  clean  contrary; 

I  give  thee  no  respite,  come  hence,  and  not  tarry. 

ISbergman 

Alas!   shall  I  have  no  lenger  respite? 

I  may  say  Death  giveth  no  warning: 

To  think  on  thee  it  maketh  my  heart  sick; 

For  all  unready  is  my  book  of  reckoning: 

But,  [for]  twelve  year  and  I  might  have  abiding, 

My  counting-book  I  would  make  so  clear, 

That  my  reckoning  I  should  not  need  to  fear. 

Wherefore,  Death,  I  pray  thee  for  God's  mercy, 

Spare  me,  till  I  be  provided  of  remedy. 

[     6     ] 


I 


Thee  availeth  not  to  cry,  weep,  and  pray: 

But    haste    thee    lightly,    that    thou    wert    gone    this 

journey ; 
And  prove  thy  friends,  if  thou  can ; 
For,  wit  thou  well,  the  tide  abideth  no  man, 
And  in  the  world  each  living  creature 
For  Adam's  sin  must  die  of  nature. 

Death,  if  I  should  this  pilgrimage  take, 
And  my  reckoning  surely  make, 
Show  me,  for  Saint  Charity, 
Should  I  not  come  again  shortly? 

Bratl) 

No,  Everyman,  and  thou  be  once  there, 
Thou  mayest  never  more  come  here, 
Trust  me  verily. 

ISbrrgman 

O  gracious  God,  in  the  high  seat  celestial, 
Have  mercy  on  me  in  this  most  need. 
Shall  I  have  no  company  from  this  vale  terrestrial 
Of  mine  acquaince,  that  way  me  to  lead? 

Heat)) 

Yea,  if  any  be  so  hardy, 

That  would  go  with  thee,  and  bear  thee  company: 

Hie  thee  that  thou  were  gone  to  God's  magnificence, 

[     7     ] 


Thy  reckoning  to  give  before  his  presence. 
What,  weenest  thou  thy  hfe  is  given  thee, 
And  thy  worldly  goods  also? 

I  had  ween'd  so  verily. 

Nay,  nay;   it  was  but  lend  thee; 

For,  as  soon  as  thou  art  gone. 

Another  awhile  shall  have  it,  and  then  go  therefro, 

Even  as  thou  hast  done. 

Everyman,  thou  art  mad,  thou  hast  thy  wits  five, 

And  here  on  earth  will  not  amend  thy  life; 

For  suddenly  I  do  come. 

iSijergman 

O  wretched  caitiff,  whither  shall  I  flee? 
That  I  might  escape  this  endless  sorrow! 
Now,  gentle  Death,  spare  me  till  to-morrow, 
That  I  may  amend  me 
With  good  advisement. 

Nay,  thereto  I  will  not  consent, 

Nor  no  man  will  I  respite ; 

But  to  the  heart  suddenly  I  shall  smite 

Without  any  advisement. 

And  now  out  of  thy  sight  I  will  me  hie; 

Se^  thou  make  thee  ready  shortly, 

[     8     ] 


For  thou  mayest  say,  this  is  the  day 
That  no  man  living  may  'scape  away. 

iStjerfimau 

Alas!   I  may  well  weep  with  sighs  deep: 

Now  have  I  no  manner  of  company 

To  help  me  in  my  journey,  and  me  to  keep; 

And  also  my  writing  is  full  unready. 

How  shall  I  do  now  for  to  excuse  me! 

I  would  to  God  I  had  never  be  got ; 

To  my  soul  a  full  great  profit  it  had  be ; 

For  now  I  fear  pains  huge  and  great. 

The  time  passeth:    Lord,  help,  that  all  wrought! 

For  though  I  mourn,  it  availeth  nought: 

The  day  passeth,  and  is  almost  ago ; 

I  wot  not  well  what  for  to  do. 

To  whom  were  I  best  my  complaint  to  make? 

What,  and  I  to  Fellowship  thereof  spake. 

And  showed  him  of  this  sudden  chance ! 

For  in  him  is  all  mine  affiance ; 

We  have  in  the  world  so  many  a  day 

Be  good  friends  in  sport  and  play, 

I  see  him  yonder  certainly; 

I  trust  that  he  will  bear  me  company. 

Therefore  to  him  will  I  speak  to  ease  my  sorrow, 

Well  met,  good  Fellowship,  and  good  morrow. 

iFcUotoSijip  speaketh 
Everyman,  good  morrow,  by  this  day: 
Sir,  why  lookest  thou  so  piteously? 
If  anything  be  amiss,  I  pray  thee,  me  say. 
That  I  may  help  to  remedy. 

[     9     ] 


Yea,  good  Fellowship,  yea; 
I  am  in  great  jeopardy. 

My  true  friend,  show  to  me  your  mind; 
I  will  not  forsake  thee,  to  my  life's  end. 
In  the  way  of  good  company. 

ISiJcvgman 

That  was  well  spoken  and  lovingly. 

iFenotos!)ip 

Sir,  I  must  needs  know  your  heaviness ; 

I  have  pity  to  see  you  in  any  distress: 

If  any  have  you  wronged,  ye  shall  revenged  be, 

Though  I  on  the  ground  be  slain  for  thee ; 

Though  that  I  know  before  that  I  should  die. 

ISbergman 

Verily,  Fellowship,  gramercy. 

jFellotosijip 

Tush!    by  thy  thanks  I  set  not  a  straw; 
Show  me  your  grief,  and  say  no  more. 

lEijerstnan  " 

If  I  my  heart  should  to  you  break, 
And  then  you  to  turn  your  mind  fro  me, 
And  would  not  me  comfort,  when  ye  hear  me  speak. 
Then  should  I  ten  times  sorrier  be. 
[     lo     ] 


jFfUoU)s!)ip 

Sir,  I  say  as  I  will  do  in  deed. 

Then  be  you  a  good  friend  at  need; 
I  have  found  you  true  here-before. 

jFeUotofli)ip 

And  so  ye  shall  evermore ; 

For  in  faith,  and  thou  go  to  hell, 

I  will  not  forsake  thee  by  the  way. 

Ye  speak  like  a  good  friend,  I  believe  you  well; 
I  shall  deserve  it,  and  I  may. 

jFelIotosi)ip 

I  speak  of  no  deserving,  by  this  day; 
For  he  that  will  say  and  nothing  do. 
Is  not  worthy  with  good  company  to  go : 
Therefore  show  me  the  grief  of  your  mind, 
As  to  your  friend  most  loving  and  kind, 

ISberfiman 

I  shall  show  you  how  it  is: 
Commanded  I  am  to  go  a  journey, 
A  long  way,  hard  and  dangerous; 
And  give  a  strait  account  without  delay 
Before  the  High  Judge  Adonai; 
Wherefore,  I  pray  you,  bear  me  company, 
As  ye  have  promised  in  this  journey. 

[        !■        ] 


That  is  matter  indeed ;   promise  is  duty ; 
But,  and  I  should  take  such  a  voyage  on  me, 
I  know  it  well,  it  should  be  to  my  pain: 
Also  it  make[s]  me  afeard  certain. 
But  let  us  take  counsel  here  as  well  as  we  can, 
For  your  words  would  fear  a  strong  man. 

SSbersman 

Why,  ye  said,  if  I  had  need. 

Ye  would  me  never  forsake,  quick  ne  dead, 

Though  it  were  to  hell  truly. 

So  I  said  certainly; 

But  such  pleasures  be  set  aside,  the  sooth  to  say, 

And  also  if  ye  took  such  a  journey, 

When  should  we  come  again? 

25i)etsman 

Nay,  never  again  till  the  day  of  doom. 

iFcllotoflljip 

In  faith,  then  will  not  I  come  there: 
Who  hath  you  these  tidings  brought? 

JSijcrsman 

Indeed,  Death  was  with  me  here. 

jFfUotosijfp 

Now,  by  God  that  all  hath  bought. 

If  Death  were  the  messenger,  « 

[  12  ]  1 


I 


For  no  man  that  is  living  to-day 
I  will  not  go  that  loath  journey, 
Not  for  the  father  that  begat  me. 

iSijerfiman 

Ye  promised  otherwise,  pardy. 

I  wot  well  '  said  so  truly, 

And  yet  if  thou  wilt  eat  and  drink,  and  make  good 

cheer. 
Or  haunt  to  women  the  lusty  company, 
I  would  not  forsake  you,  while  the  day  is  clear. 
Trust  me  verily. 

lElietsman 

Yea,  thereto  ye  would  be  ready; 

To  go  to  mirth,  solace  and  play. 

Your  mind  will  sooner  apply 

Than  to  bear  me  company  in  my  long  journey. 

jFfHotosfjip 

Now,  in  good  faith,  I  will  not  that  way; 
But,  and  thou  will  murder,  or  any  man  kill, 
In  that  I  will  help  thee  with  a  good  will. 

iSijptgman 

Oh,  that  is  a  simple  advice  indeed: 

Gentle  fellows  [hip,]  help  me  in  my  necessity; 

We  have  loved  long,  and  now  I  need. 

And  now,  gentle  Fellowship,  remember  me. 

[   13   ] 


Whether  ye  have  loved  me  or  no, 

By  Saint  John,  I  will  not  with  thee  go. 

iSbergman 

Yet,  I  pray  thee,  take  the  labour,  and  do  so  much 

for  me, 
To  bring  me  forward,  for  Saint  Charity, 
And  comfort  me,  till  I  come  without  the  town. 

iFeUotosijii) 

Nay,  and  thou  w^ould  give  me  a  new  gown, 

I  will  not  a  foot  with  thee  go; 

But,   and  thou   had  tarried,   I   would   not   have   left 

thee  so: 
And  as  now  God  speed  thee  in  thy  journey! 
For  from  thee  I  will  depart,  as  fast  as  I  may. 

3Hberj>man 

Whither  away.  Fellowship?   will  you  forsake  me? 
Yea,  by  my  fay;   to  God  I  betake  thee. 

lEbcrsman 

Farewell,  good  Fellowship ;   for  this  my  heart  is  sore : 
Adieu  for  ever,  I  shall  see  thee  no  more. 

In  faith,  Everyman,  farewell  now  at  the  end; 
For  you  I  will  remember  that  parting  is  mourning, 

[      14     ] 


Alack!   shall  we  thus  depart  in  deed, 

0  Lady,  help,  without  any  more  comfort, 

Lo,  Fellowship  forsaketh  me  in  my  most  need: 

For  help  in  this  world  whither  shall  I  resort? 

Fellowship  here  before  with  me  would  merry  make; 

And  now  little  sorrow  for  me  doth  he  take. 

It  is  said,  in  prosperity  men  friends  may  find, 

Vv'^hich  in  adversity  be  full  unkind. 

Now  whither  for  succour  shall  I  flee, 

Sith  that  Fellowship  hath  forsaken  me? 

To  my  kinsmen  I  will  truly. 

Praying  them  to  help  me  in  my  necessity; 

1  believe  that  they  will  do  so; 

For  kind  will  creep,  where  it  may  not  go. 
I  will  go  say;  for  yonder  I  see  them  go: 
Where  be  ye  now,  my  friends  and  kinsmen  [lo?] 

Here  be  we  now  at  your  commandment: 
Cousin,  I  pray  thee,  show  us  your  intent 
In  any  wise,  and  do  not  spare. 

(tonnin 

Yea,  Everyman,  and  to  us  declare 

If  ye  be  disposed  to  go  any  whither; 

For,  wot  ye  well,  we  will  live  and  die  together. 

Bintrrctf 

In  wealth  and  woe  we  will  with  you  hold; 
For  over  his  kin  a  man  may  be  bold. 

[     "5     ] 


Gramercy,  my  friends  and  kinsmen  kind, 

Now  shall  I  show  you  the  grief  of  my  mind. 

I  was  commanded  by  a  messenger. 

That  is  an  high  king's  chief  officer; 

He  bad  me  go  on  pilgrimage  to  my  pain, 

But  I  know  well  I  shall  never  come  again: 

Also  I  must  give  a  reckoning  strait; 

For  I  have  a  great  enemy  that  hath  me  in  wait, 

Which  intendeth  me  for  to  hinder. 

Bintrr£tr 

What  account  is  that  which  ye  must  render? 
That  would  I  know. 

ISbrrgman 

Of  all  my  works  I  must  show. 

How  I  have  lived,  and  my  days  spent; 

Also  of  ill  deeds  that  I  have  used 

In  my  time,  sith  life  was  me  lent. 

And  of  all  virtues  that  I  have  refused : 

Therefore,  I  pray  you,  go  thither  with  me 

To  help  to  make  mine  account,  for  Saint  Charity. 

What,  to  go  thither?    Is  that  the  matter? 

Nay,  Everyman,  I  had  liever  fast  bread  and  water, 

All  this  five  year  and  more. 

ISijrrsman 

Alas,  that  ever  I  was  bore! 
For  now  shall  I  never  be  merry, 
If  that  you  forsake  me. 

[      i6     ] 


Itintrrrt 

Ah,  sir!   what,  ye  be  a  merry  man! 
Take  good  heart  to  you,  and  make  no  moan. 
But  one  thing  I  warn  you,  by  Saint  Anne, 
As  for  me  ye  shall  go  alone. 

lEijerfiman 

My  cousin,  will  you  not  with  me  go? 

No,  by  our  lady,  I  have  the  cramp  in  my  toe: 
Trust  not  to  me;   for,  so  God  me  speed, 
I  will  deceive  you  in  your  most  need. 

Wiintivtti 

It  availeth  not  us  to  tice : 

Ye  shall  have  my  maid  with  all  my  heart; 

She  loveth  to  go  to  feasts,  there  to  be  nice. 

And  to  dance,  and  abroad  to  start: 

I  will  give  her  leave  to  help  you  in  that  journey. 

If  that  you  and  she  may  agree. 

3HiJersman 

No,  show  me  the  very  effect  of  your  mind; 
Will  you  go  with  me,  or  abide  behind? 

Abide  behind!   yea,  that  will  I,  and  I  may; 
Therefore  farewell  till  another  day. 

2£ijerj>man 

How  should  I  be  merry  or  glad? 
For  fair  promises  men  to  me  make; 

[^]  [   17  ] 


But,  when  I  have  most  need,  they  me  forsake; 
I  am  deceived,  that  maketh  me  sad. 

Cousin 

Cousin  Everyman,  farewell  now; 

For  verily  I  will  not  go  with  you : 

Also  of  mine  own  life  an  unready  reckoning 

I  have  to  account,  therefore  I  make  tarrying; 

Now  God  keep  thee,  for  now  I  go. 

Ah,  Jesu,  is  all  come  hereto? 

Lo,  fair  words  maketh  fools  fain; 

They  promise,  and  nothing  will  do  certain 

My  kinsmen  promised  me  faithfully, 

For  to  abide  with  me  steadfastly ; 

And  now  fast  away  do  they  flee : 

Even  so  Fellowship  promised  me. 

What  friend  were  best  me  of  to  provide? 

I  lose  my  time  here  longer  to  abide; 

Yet  in  my  mind  a  thing  there  is: 

All  my  life  I  have  loved  riches; 

If  that  my  Good  now  help  me  might. 

It  would  make  my  heart  full  light : 

I  will  speak  to  him  in  this  distress: 

Where  art  thou,  my  Goods  and  Riches? 

Who  calleth  me?   Everyman?  what,  hast  thou  haste? 
I  lie  here  in  comers  trussed  and  piled  so  high, 
And  in  chests  I  am  locked  so  fast, 
Also  sacked  in  bags,  thou  mayest  see  with  thine  eye, 

[     18     ] 


I  cannot  stir;    in  packs,  lo,  where  I  lie! 
What  would  ye  have,  lightly  me  say. 

Come  hither,  Good,  in  all  the  haste  thou  may; 
For  of  counsel  I  must  desire  thee. 

Sir,  and  ye  in  the  world  have  sorrow  or  adversity. 
That  can  I  help  you  to  remedy  shortly. 

lEbetsman 

It  is  another  disease  that  grieveth  me ; 

In  this  world  it  is  not,  I  tell  thee  so, 

I  am  sent  for  another  way  to  go, 

To  give  a  strait  account  general 

Before  the  highest  Jupiter  of  all: 

And  all  my  life  I  have  had  my  pleasure  in  thee. 

Therefore  I  pray  thee  now  go  with  me ; 

For,  peraventure,  thou  mayest  before  God  Almighty 

My  reckoning  help  to  clean  and  purify. 

For  it  is  said  ever  among. 

That  money  maketh  all  right  that  is  wrong. 

Nay,  nay,  Everyman,  I  sing  zmother  song; 

I  follow  no  man  in  such  voyages. 

For,  and  I  went  with  thee. 

Thou  shouldest  fare  much  the  worse  for  me : 

For  because  on  me  thou  diddest  set  thy  mind. 

Thy  reckoning  I  have  made  blotted  and  blind, 

[      '9     ] 


That  thine  account  thou  cannot  make  truly; 
And  that  hast  thou  for  the  love  of  me. 

That  would  grieve  me  full  sore, 

When  I  should  come  to  that  fearful  answer: 

Up,  and  let  us  go  thither  together. 

Nay,  not  so ;   I  am  too  brittle,  I  may  not  endure : 
I  will  follow  no  man  one  foot,  be  ye  sure. 

ISbergman 

Alas!    I  have  thee  loved,  and  had  great  pleasure 
All  my  life-days  on  my  good  and  treasure. 

That  is  to  thy  damnation  without  lesing, 
For  my  love  is  contrary  to  the  love  everlasting; 
But  if  thou  had  me  loved  moderately  during, 
As  to  the  poor  give  part  for  the  love  of  me. 
Then  shouldest  thou  not  in  this  dolour  have  be, 
Nor  in  this  great  sorrow  and  care. 

iEiJfrsman 

Lo,  now  was  I  deceived,  ere  I  was  ware. 
And  all,  I  may  wete,  mis-spending  of  time. 

What,  wenest  thou  that  I  am  thine? 

lEbfrfiman 

I  had  went  so. 

[  20  ] 


Nay,  Everyman,  I  say  no: 

As  for  a  while  I  was  lent  thee; 

A  season  thou  hast  had  me  in  prosperity ; 

My  condition  is  man's  soul  to  kill, 

If  I  save  one,  a  thousand  I  do  spill: 

Weenest  thou  that  I  will  follow  thee? 

Nay,  not  fro  this  world,  verily. 

I  had  weened  otherwise. 

Therefore  to  thy  soul  Good  is  a  thief, 

For  when  thou  art  dead,  this  is  my  guise, 

Another  to  deceive  in  the  same  wise, 

As  I  have  do  thee,  and  all  to  his  soul's  reprefe. 

iSbcrsman 

0  false  Good,  cursed  may  thou  be, 

Thou  traitor  to  God,  thou  hast  deceived  me, 
And  caught  me  in  thy  snare. 

Marry,  thou  brought  thyself  in  care. 
Whereof  I  am  right  glad: 

1  must  needs  laugh,  I  cannot  be  sad. 

lEbersman 

Ah,  Good,  thou  hast  had  long  my  hearty  love; 

I  gave  thee  that  which  should  be  the  Lord's  above; 

[  "-I   ] 


But  wilt  thou  not  go  with  me  indeed? 
I  pray  thee  truth  to  say. 

No,  so  God  me  speed; 

Therefore  farewell,  and  have  good  day 

Oh,  to  whom  shall  I  make  my  moan, 

For  to  go  with  me  in  that  heavy  journey? 

First  Fellowship  he  said  he  would  with  me  gone; 

His  words  were  very  pleasant  and  gay. 

But  afterward  he  left  me  alone. 

Then  spake  I  to  my  kinsmen  all  in  despair, 

And  also  they  gave  me  words  fair, 

They  lacked  no  fair  speaking; 

But  all  forsake  me  in  the  ending. 

Then  went  I  to  my  Goods  that  I  loved  best. 

In  hope  to  have  found  comfort ;  but  there  had  I  least ; 

For  my  Goods  sharply  did  me  tell. 

That  he  bringeth  many  in  hell. 

Then  of  myself  I  was  ashamed. 

And  so  I  am  worthy  to  be  blamed: 

Thus  may  I  well  myself  hate. 

Of  whom  shall  I  now  counsel  take? 

I  think  that  I  shall  never  speed, 

Till  that  I  go  to  my  Good  Deed; 

But,  alas!   she  is  so  weak, 

That  she  can  nother  go  nor  speak: 

Yet  will  I  venter  on  her  now. 

My  Good  Deeds,  where  be  you? 

[      ^^      ] 


Here  I  lie  cold  in  the  ground; 
Thy  sins  have  me  so  sore  bound, 
That  I  cannot  stir. 

0  Good  Deeds,  I  stand  in  great  fear; 

1  must  you  pray  of  counsel, 

For  help  now  should  come  right  well. 

Everyman,  I  have  understanding, 

That  thou  art  summoned  account  to  make 

Before  Messias  of  Jerusalem  King ; 

And  you  do  by  me,  that  journey  with  you  will  I  take. 

iEberfitnan 

Therefore  I  come  to  you  my  moan  to  make: 
I  pray  you,  that  ye  will  go  with  me. 

(Siooti  HBettin 

I  would  full  fain,  but  I  cannot  stand  verily. 

ISbersman 

Why,  is  there  an5rthing  on  you  fall? 

Yea,  sir,  I  may  thank  you  of  all; 

If  ye  had  perfectly  cheered  me. 

Your  book  of  account  full  ready  now  had  be. 

Look,  the  books  of  your  works  and  deeds  eke ! 

[  23  ] 


Behold  how  they  lie  under  the  feet. 
To  your  soul's  heaviness. 

Our  Lord  Jesus  help  me, 

For  one  letter  herein  can  I  not  see. 

iSfooTr  Berts 

Here  is  a  blind  reckoning  in  time  of  distress ! 

ISbersman 

Good  Deeds,  I  pray  you,  help  me  in  this  need, 
Or  else  I  am  for  ever  damned  indeed ; 
Therefore  help  me  to  make  my  reckoning 
Before  the  Redeemer  of  all  thing, 
That  king  is,  and  was,  and  ever  shall. 

Everyman,  I  am  sorry  of  your  fall, 

And  fain  would  I  help  you,  and  I  were  cible. 

lEbersman 

Good  Deeds,  your  counsel,  I  pray  you,  give  me. 

(Sfootr  Bretrs 

That  shall  I  do  verily : 

Though  that  on  my  feet  I  may  not  go, 

I  have  a  sister  that  shall  with  you  also. 

Called  Knowledge,  which  shall  with  you  abide, 

To  help  you  to  make  that  dreadful  reckoning. 

[Enter  Knoivledge, 
[      24     ] 


Everyman,  I  will  go  with  thee,  and  be  thy  guide, 
In  thy  most  need  to  go  by  thy  side. 

tSberstnan 

In  good  condition  I  am  now  in  every  thing. 
And  smi  wholly  content  with  this  good  thing. 
Thanked  be  God  my  Creature. 

And  when  he  hath  brought  thee  there. 

Where  thou  shalt  heal  thee  of  thy  smart. 

Then  go  thou  with  thy  reckoning  and  thy  good  deeds 

together. 
For  to  make  thee  joyful  at  the  heart 
Before  the  blessed  Trinity. 

ISijrtsman 

My  Good  Deeds,  I  thank  thee  heartfuUy: 
I  am  well  content  certainly 
With  your  words  sweet. 

Now  go  we  together  lovingly 

To  Confession,  that  cleansing  river. 

IStjrtsman 

For  joy  I  weep :   I  would  we  there  were ; 
But  I  pray  you  to  instruct  me  by  intellection, 
Where  dwelleth  that  holy  virtue  Confession? 

[     ^-5     ] 


In  the  house  of  salvation; 

We  shall  find  him  in  that  place. 

That  shall  us  comfort  by  God's  grace. 

Lo,  this  is  Confession:  kneel  down,  and  ask  mercy; 

For  he  is  in  good  conceit  with  God  Almighty. 

0  glorious  fountain  that  all  uncleanness  doth  clarify, 
Wash  from  me  the  spots  of  vices  imclean, 

That  on  me  no  sin  may  be  seen ; 

1  come  with  Knowledge  for  my  redemption, 
Redempt  with  heart  and  full  contrition, 
For  I  am  commanded  a  pilgrimage  to  take, 
And  great  accounts  before  God  to  make. 
Now  I  pray  you,  Shrift,  mother  of  salvation, 

Help  hither  my  good  deeds  for  my  piteous  exclamation. 

QtonttBUion 

I  know  your  sorrow  well,  Everyman: 
Because  with  Knowledge  ye  come  to  me, 
I  will  you  comfort  as  well  as  I  can; 
And  a  precious  jewel  I  will  give  thee, 
Called  penance,  voider  of  adversity : 
Therewith  shall  your  body  chastised  be 
With  abstinence  and  perseverance  in  God's  service; 
Here  shall  you  receive  that  scourge  of  me, 
Which  is  penance  strong  that  ye  must  endure. 
Remember  thy  Saviour  was  scourged  for  thee 
With  sharp  scourges,  and  suffered  it  patiently: 
So  must  thou,  ere  thou  pass  thy  pilgrimage. 
[      26      ] 


Knowledge,  keep  him  in  this  voyage. 

And  by  that  time  Good  Deeds  will  be  with  thee; 

But  in  anywise  be  sure  of  mercy. 

For  your  time  draweth  fast;    and  ye  will  saved  be, 

Ask  God  mercy,  and  he  will  grant  truly: 

When  with  the  scourge  of  penance  man  doth  him  bind, 

The  oil  of  forgiveness  then  shall  he  find. 

Thanked  be  God  for  his  gracious  work; 
For  now  I  will  my  penance  begin: 
This  hath  rejoiced  and  lighted  my  heart, 
Though  the  knots  be  painful  and  hard  within. 

Everyman,  look  your  penance  that  ye  fulfil, 
What  pain  that  ever  it  to  you  be; 
And  I  shall  give  you  counsel  at  will, 
How  your  account  ye  shall  make  clearly. 

ISbrrsman 

O  eternal  God,  O  heavenly  figure, 

O  way  of  rightwiseness,  O  goodly  vision. 

Which  descended  down  in  a  virgin  pure, 

Because  he  would  Everyman  redeem, 

Which  Adam  forfeited  by  his  disobedience, 

O  blessed  Godhead,  elect  and  high  Divine, 

Forgive  me  my  grievous  offence; 

Here  I  cry  thee  mercy  in  this  presence: 

O  ghostly  treasure,  O  ransomer  and  redeemer! 

Of  all  the  world  hope  and  conduyter, 

[   27   ] 


Mirror  of  joy,  foundation  of  mercy, 

Which  enlumineth  heaven  and  earth  thereby. 

Hear  my  clamorous  complaint,  though  it  late  be. 

Receive  my  prayers  of  thy  benignity. 

Though  I  be  a  sinner  most  abominable, 

Yet  let  my  name  be  written  in  Moses'  table. 

0  Mary,  pray  to  the  Maker  of  all  thing 
Me  for  to  help  at  my  ending. 

And  save  me  from  the  power  of  my  enemy; 

For  Death  assaileth  me  strongly: 

And,  Lady,  that  I  may  by  mean  of  thy  prayer 

Of  your  son's  glory  to  be  partiner. 

By  the  mean  of  his  passion  I  it  crave; 

1  beseek  you  help  me  my  soul  to  save. 
Knowledge,  give  me  the  scourge  of  penance. 
My  flesh  therewith  shall  give  acquittance; 

I  will  now  begin,  if  God  give  me  grace. 

Everyman,  God  give  you  time  and  space ! 

Thus  I  bequeath  you  in  the  hands  of  our  Saviour; 

Now  may  you  make  your  reckoning  sure. 

In  the  name  of  all  the  Holy  Trinity, 

My  body  punished  sore  shall  be. 

Take  this  body  for  the  sin  of  the  flesh; 

Also  thou  delightest  to  go  gay  and  fresh; 

And  in  the  way  of  damnation  thou  did  me  bring. 

Therefore  suffer  now  strokes  and  punishing: 

Now  of  penance  I  will  wade  the  w^ater  clear, 

To  save  me  from  purgatory,  that  sharp  fire. 

[     --8     ] 


I  thank  God,  now  I  can  walk  and  go, 
And  am  delivered  of  my  sickness  and  woe; 
Therefore  with  Everyman  I  will  go,  and  not  spare, 
His  good  works  I  will  help  him  to  declare. 

Now,  Everyman,  be  merry  and  glad; 
Your  Good  Deeds  cometh  now,  ye  may  not  be  sad: 
Now  is  your  Good  Deeds  whole  and  sound, 
Going  upright  upon  the  ground. 

IBljetgman 

My  heart  is  light,  and  shall  be  evermore; 
Now  will  I  smite  faster  than  I  did  before. 

Everyman  pilgrim,  my  special  friend, 

Blessed  be  thou  without  end ; 

For  thee  is  prepared  the  eternal  glory: 

Ye  have  me  made  whole  and  sound. 

Therefore  I  will  bide  by  thee  in  every  stound. 

IStJcrsman 

Welcome,  my  Good  Deeds,  now  I  hear  thy  voice, 
I  weep  for  very  sweetness  of  love. 

Be  no  more  sad,  but  evermore  rejoice, 
God  seeth  thy  living  in  His  throne  above; 
Put  on  this  garment  to  thy  behove, 

[     ^9     ] 


Which  with  your  tears  is  now  all  wet, 

Lest  before  God  it  be  unsweet, 

When  ye  to  your  journey's  end  come  shall. 

ISbersman 

Gentle  Knowledge,  what  do  ye  it  call? 

It  is  the  garment  of  sorrow. 

From  pain  it  will  you  borrow; 

Contrition  it  is. 

That  getteth  forgiveness. 

It  pleaseth  God  passing  well. 

©^OOtl  IBtttiB 

Everyman,  will  you  wear  it  for  your  hele? 

lEijersman 

Now  blessed  be  Jesu,  Mary's  son; 
For  now  have  I  on  true  contrition: 
And  let  us  go  now  without  tarrying. 
Good  Deeds,  have  we  clear  our  reckoning? 

Yea,  indeed,  I  have  here. 

lEbcrsman 

Then  I  trust  we  need  not  to  fear; 
Now,  friends,  let  us  not  depart  in  twain. 

ItnoUJletrrjc 

Nay,  Everyman,  that  will  we  not  certain. 

[  30  ,1 


lliceit(|;t()e. 


Yet  must  thou  lead  with  thee 
Three  persons  of  great  might. 

Who  should  they  be? 

Discretion  and  Strength  they  hyght, 
And  thy  Beauty  may  not  abide  behind. 

Also  ye  must  call  to  mind 

Your  Five  Wits  as  for  your  councillors. 

You  must  have  them  ready  at  all  hours. 

iSbcr:pman 

How  shall  I  get  them  hither? 

You  must  call  them  all  together, 
And  they  will  hear  you  incontinent. 

lEtjersman 

My  friends,  come  hither,  and  be  present, 
Discretion,  Strength,  my  Five  Wits  and  Beauty. 

Here  at  your  will  we  be  all  ready; 
What  will  ye  that  we  should  do? 

[      31      ] 


That  ye  would  with  Everyman  go, 

And  help  him  in  his  pilgrimage: 

Advise  you,  will  ye  go  with  him  or  not  in  that  voyage? 

.Strengt!) 

We  will  bring  him  all  thither 

To  help  and  comfort  him,  ye  may  believe  me. 

discretion 

So  will  we  go  with  him  altogether. 

lEtjergman 

Almighty  God,  loved  may  Thou  be; 

I  give  Thee  laud  that  I  have  hither  brought 

Strength,    Discretion,    Beauty,    Five    Wits:    lack    I 

nought : 
And  my  Good  Deeds,  with  Knowledge  clear. 
All  be  in  my  company  at  my  will  here; 
I  desire  no  more  to  my  business. 

Strrnfltl) 

And  I  Strength  will  by  you  stand  in  distress. 
Though  thou  wouldest  in  battle  fight  on  the  ground. 

iFiiJe  Wiitn 

And  though  it  were  thorow  the  world  round. 
We  will  not  depart  for  sweet  ne  for  sour. 

]3eauts 

No  more  will  I  unto  death's  hour. 
Whatsoever  thereof  befall. 

[     3^     ] 


SJisccftion 

Everyman,  advise  you  first  of  all, 

Go  with  a  good  advisement  and  deliberation; 

We  all  give  you  virtuous  monition 

That  all  shall  be  well. 

IStJcrgman 

My  friends,  hark  what  I  will  you  tell ; 

I  pray  God  reward  you  in  His  heavenly  sphere: 

Now  hearken  all  that  be  here; 

For  I  will  make  my  testament 

Here  before  you  all  present: 

In  alms  half  my  good  I  will  give  with  my  hands  twain 

In  the  way  of  charity  with  good  intent, 

And  the  other  half  still  shall  remain: 

I  it  bequeath  to  be  returned  there  it  ought  to  be. 

This  I  do  in  despite  of  the  fiend  of  hell, 

To  go  quit  out  of  his  peril 

Ever  after  this  day. 

Everyman,  hearken  what  I  will  say; 

Go  to  priesthood,  I  you  advise. 

And  receive  of  him  in  any  wise 

The  holy  sacrament  and  ointment  together, 

Then  shortly  see  ye  turn  again  hither. 

We  will  all  abide  you  here. 

Yea,  Everyman,  hie  you  that  ye  ready  were: 
There  is  no  emperor,  king,  duke,  ne  baron. 
That  of  God  hath  commission, 

[  3  ]  [     33      ] 


As  hath  the  least  priest  in  the  world  being; 

For  of  the  blessed  sacraments  pure  and  benign 

He  beareth  the  keys,  and  thereof  hath  cure 

For  man's  redemption,  it  is  ever  sure. 

Which  God  for  our  soul's  medicine 

Gave  us  out  of  his  heart  with  great  pain, 

Here  in  this  transitory  life  for  thee  and  me: 

The  blessed  sacraments  seven  there  be, 

Baptism,  confirmation,  with  priesthood  good. 

And  the  sacrament  of  God's  precious  flesh  and  blood, 

Marriage,  the  holy  extreme  unction,  and  penance; 

These  seven  be  good  to  have  in  remembrance, 

Gracious  sacraments  of  high  divinity. 

SSbergman 

Fain  would  I  receive  that  holy  body, 

And  meekly  to  my  ghostly  father  I  will  go. 

jFibe  Wiitn 

Everyman,  that  is  the  best  that  ye  can  do; 

God  will  you  to  salvation  bring. 

For  good  priesthood  exceedeth  all  other  thing ; 

To  us  holy  scripture  they  do  teach. 

And  converteth  man  fro  sin  heaven  to  reach; 

God  hath  to  them  more  power  given 

Than  to  any  angel  that  is  in  heaven: 

With  five  words  he  may  consecrate 

God's  body  in  flesh  and  blood  to  take. 

And  handleth  his  Maker  between  his  hands. 

The  priest  bindeth  and  unbindeth  all  bands 

Both  in  earth  and  in  heaven; 

[     34     ] 


He  ministers  all  the  sacraments  seven: 
Though  we  kiss  thy  feet,  thou  wert  worthy: 
Thou  art  the  surgeon  that  cureth  sin  deadly, 
No  remedy  may  we  find  under  God, 
But  all  only  priesthood, 

Everyman,  God  gave  priest [s]  that  dignity. 
And  setteth  them  in  His  stead  among  us  to  be; 
Thus  be  they  above  angels  in  degree. 

mnotoUTrfle 

If  priests  be  good,  it  is  so  surely, 

But  when  Jesu  heng  on  the  cross  with  great  smart, 

There  he  gave  us  out  of  his  blessed  heart 

The  same  sacrament  in  great  torment. 

He  sold  them  not  to  us,  that  Lord  omnipotent; 

Therefore  Saint  Peter  the  Apostle  doth  say, 

That  Jesus'  curse  hath  all  they. 

Which  God  their  Saviour  do  buy  or  sell, 

Or  they  for  any  money  do  take  or  tell. 

Sinful  priests  giveth  the  sinners  example  bad, 

Their  children   sitteth  by   other  men's   fires,   I  have 

heard, 
And  some  haunteth  women's  company, 
With  unclean  life,  as  lusts  of  lechery; 
These  be  with  sin  made  blind. 

I  trust  to  God,  no  such  may  we  find: 
Therefore  let  us  priesthood  honour, 
And  follow  their  doctrine  for  our  soul's  succour; 
We  be  their  sheep,  and  they  [our]  shepherds  be, 
By  whom  we  all  be  kept  in  surety. 

[    35     ] 


Peace !   for  yonder  I  see  Everyman  come, 
Which  hath  made  true  satisfaction. 


Methink  it  is  he  indeed. 

iEbrrgmau 

Now  Jesu  Christ  be  your  alder  speed! 

I  have  received  the  sacrament  for  my  redemption, 

And  then  mine  extreme  unction; 

Blessed  be  all  they  that  counselled  me  to  take  it: 

And  now,  friends,  let  us  go  without  longer  respite; 

I  thank  God  that  ye  have  tarried  so  long. 

Now  set  each  of  you  on  this  rod  your  hand. 

And  shortly  follow  me; 

I  go  before,  there  I  would  be: 

God  be  our  guide. 

Streitfiti) 

Everyman,  we  will  not  fro  you  go, 
Till  ye  have  gone  this  voyage  long. 

UBiutvttion 

I  Discretion  will  bide  by  you  also. 

And  though  this  pilgrimage  be  never  so  strong, 
I  will  never  part  you  fro: 
Everyman,  I  will  be  as  sure  by  thee. 
As  ever  I  was  by  Judas  Maccabee. 

[  36  ] 


Alas!   I  am  so  faint  I  may  not  stand. 

My  limbs  under  me  do  fold: 

Friends,  let  us  not  turn  again  to  this  land, 

Not  for  all  the  world's  gold ; 

For  into  this  cave  must  I  creep, 

And  turn  to  the  earth,  and  there  to  sleep. 

J^eauts 

What,  into  this  grave?    Alas! 

ISbergmau 

Yea,  there  shall  ye  consume  more  and  less. 

J5eauts 

And  what,  should  I  smother  here? 

iStjrtsman 

Yea,  by  my  faith,  and  never  more  appear; 

In  this  world  live  no  more  we  shall, 

But  in  heaven  before  the  highest  Lord  of  all. 

]3eautp 

I  cross  out  all  this:    adieu,  by  Saint  John; 
I  take  my  cap  in  my  lap,  and  am  gone. 

IStjrrgman 

What,  Beauty?    whither  will  ye? 

33eauts 

Peace!   I  am  deaf,  I  look  not  behind  me, 
Not,  and  thou  wouldst  give  me  all  the   gold  in  thy 
chest. 

[     37     ] 


Alas!   whereto  may  I  now  trust? 

Beauty  doth  fast  away  hie: 

She  promised  with  me  to  live  and  die. 

Everyman,  I  will  thee  also  forsake  and  deny, 
The  game  liketh  me  not  at  all. 

ISbfrfiman 

Why  then  ye  will  forsake  me  all: 
Strength,  tarry,  I  pray  you,  a  little  space. 

.Strtnflti) 

Nay,  sir,  by  the  rood  of  grace, 

I  will  hie  me  from  thee  fast, 

Though  thou  weep  till  thy  heart  brast. 

lEDfrgman 

Ye  would  ever  bide  by  me,  ye  said. 

Yea,  I  have  you  far  enough  conveyed: 
Ye  be  old  enough,  I  understand. 
Your  pilgrimage  to  take  on  hand; 
I  repent  me,  that  I  hither  came. 

iSiJergman 

Strength,  you  to  displease  I  am  to  blame; 
Yet  promise  is  debt ;   this  ye  well  wot. 

[  38   ] 


.Stvrnflti) 

In  faith,  as  for  that  I  care  not: 

Thou  art  but  a  fool  to  complain; 

Thou  spendest  thy  speech  and  wasteth  thy  brain; 

Go,  thrist  thee  into  the  ground. 

I  had  ween'd  surer  I  should  you  have  found: 
But  I  see  well,  he  that  trusteth  in  his  Strength, 
Is  greatly  deceived  at  the  length; 
Both  Strength  and  Beauty  hath  forsaken  me. 
Yet  they  promised  me  steadfast  to  be. 

UiBcretion 

Everyman,  I  will  after  Strength  be  gone; 
As  for  me,  I  will  leave  you  alone. 

IHbersman 

Why,  Discretion,  will  ye  forsake  me? 

Bisctetton 

Yea,  in  faith,  I  will  go  fro  thee; 
For  when  Strength  is  gone  before, 
Then  I  follow  after  evermore. 

IBbergman 

Yet,  I  pray  thee,  for  love  of  the  Trinity, 
Look  in  my  grave  once  piteously. 

Winttttion 

Nay,  so  nigh  will  I  not  come. 
Now  farewell,  fellows  everichone. 

[     39     ] 


ISbergman 

Oh,  all  thing  faileth,  save  God  alone, 
Beauty,  Strength,  and  Discretion; 
For,  when  Death  bloweth  his  blast, 
They  all  run  fro  me  full  fast. 

iFilJe  WLitB 

Everyman,  of  thee  now  my  leave  I  take ; 

I  will  follow  the  other,  for  here  I  thee  forsake. 

iSijergman 

Alas!   then  may  I  both  wail  and  weep; 
For  I  took  you  for  my  best  friend. 

iFiiJf  WiitB 

I  will  no  lenger  thee  keep: 
Now  farewell,  and  here  an  end. 

ISbevsman 

Now,  Jesu,  help!   all  hath  forsaken  me. 

Nay,  Everyman,  I  will  abide  with  thee, 

I  will  not  forsake  thee  indeed; 

Thou  shalt  find  me  a  good  friend  at  need. 

lEijrrsnran 

Gramercy,  Good  Deeds,  now  may  I  true  friends  see 
They  have  forsaken  me  everychone ; 
I  loved  them  better  than  my  good  deeds  alone : 
Knowledge,  will  ye  forsake  me  also? 

[     4°     ] 


BnotulttTfle 

Yea,  Everyman,  when  ye  to  death  shall  go; 
But  not  yet  for  no  manner  of  danger. 

Gramercy,  Knowledge,  with  all  my  heart. 

Bnotolctifle 

Nay,  yet  I  will  not  from  hence  depart, 
Till  I  see  where  ye  shall  be  come. 

lEbei'fiman 

Methinketh,  alas!   that  I  must  be  gone 

To  make  my  reckoning,  and  my  debts  pay; 

For  I  see  my  time  is  nigh  spent  away. 

Take  ensample,  all  ye  that  this  do  hear  or  see, 

How  they  that  I  loved  best  now  forsake  me; 

Except  my  Good  Deeds,  that  bideth  truly. 

All  earthly  things  is  but  vanity, 
Beauty,  Strength,  and  Discretion  do  man  forsake, 
Foolish  friends  and  kinsmen,  that  fair  spake ; 
All  fleeth  save  Good  Deeds,  and  that  am  I. 

IStoctsman 

Have  mercy  on  me,  God  most  mighty, 

And  stand  by  me,  thou  mother  and  maid  Mary. 

Fear  not,  I  will  speak  for  thee. 
[     41      ] 


Here  I  cry,  God  mercy! 

Short  our  end  and  minish  our  pain: 
Let  us  go,  and  never  come  again. 

iSijfrfiman 

Into  thy  hands,  Lord,  my  soul  I  commend, 
Receive  it.  Lord,  that  it  be  not  lost; 
As  thou  me  boughtest,  so  me  defend. 
And  save  me  fro  the  fiend's  boast, 
That  I  may  appear  with  that  blessed  host 
That  shall  be  saved  at  the  day  of  doom: 
In  manus  tuas,  of  might  most, 
For  ever  commendo  spiritum  meum. 

[E'veryman  dies, 

BnotoletTflr 

Now  hath  he  suffered  that  we  all  shall  endure: 

The  Good  Deeds  shall  make  all  sure; 

Now  hath  he  made  ending, 

Methinketh  that  I  hear  angels  sing. 

And  make  great  joy  and  melody, 

Where  Everyman's  soul  shall  received  be. 

Come,  excellent  elect  spouse  to  Jesu, 
Here  above  thou  shalt  go, 
Because  of  thy  singular  virtue : 
Now  thy  soul  is  taken  thy  body  fro. 
Thy  reckoning  is  crystal  clear; 
[      42      ] 


Now  shalt  thou  into  the  heavenly  sphere, 
Unto  the  which  all  ye  shall  come 
That  liveth  well,  after  the  day  of  doom. 

Boctor 

This  memory  all  men  may  have  in  mind; 

Ye  hearers,  take  it  of  worth,  old  and  young. 

And  forsake  pride,  for  he  deceiveth  you  in  the  end. 

And    remember    Beauty,    Five    Wits,    Strength,    and 

Discretion, 
They  all  at  last  do  Everyman  forsake. 
Save  his  Good  Deeds;    [them  he]  there  doth  take: 
But  beware,  for,  and  they  be  small. 
Before  God  he  hath  no  help  at  all; 
None  excuse  may  be  there  for  Ever5mian: 
Alas,  how  shall  he  do  then? 
For  after  death  amends  may  no  man  make. 
For  then  mercy  and  pity  doth  him  forsake; 
If  his  reckoning  be  not  clear,  when  he  doth  come, 
God  will  say,  Ite,  maledicti,  in  ignem  aeternum; 
And  he  that  hath  his  account  whole  and  sound, 
High  in  heaven  he  shall  be  crowned; 
Unto  which  place  God  bring  us  all  thither. 
That  we  may  live  body  and  soul  together; 
Thereto  help  the  Trinity: 
Amen,  say  ye,  for  Saint  Charity. 


[  «  ] 


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